Shreveport, LA, September 7, 2025

News Summary

Shreveport’s economy remains stable amid national recession fears, according to insights from Douglas White of LSU Shreveport. Key indicators like casino revenue and airport travel show resilience, with a notable rise in sales tax collections. However, local unemployment has slightly increased. White emphasizes cautious optimism and local initiatives to support business growth and improve the economic climate, indicating no immediate downturn signs.

Shreveport Economy Shows Steady Performance Despite National Downturn Concerns

Shreveport’s economy demonstrates a stable performance amid national fears of a recession, according to recent insights shared by Douglas White, director of the Center of Business and Economic Research at LSU Shreveport, during a speech to the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce in 2023. White’s quarterly analysis covers economic conditions for Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto Parishes, revealing that local indicators such as casino revenue, airport travel, and unemployment rates suggest a resilient economy.

White highlighted a notable increase in casino revenue and airport enplanements, key elements of the local economy, as year-over-year figures show growth attributed largely to the opening of Live! Casino and Resort Louisiana in Bossier City. Although initial figures after the casino’s launch indicated strong incoming revenues, subsequent months have revealed a tapering off in that income stream, leading White to caution that it is premature to ascertain whether the casino has permanently expanded the regional market.

In addition to casino performance, the Shreveport Regional Airport has celebrated record levels of air travel, raising questions about the intricate relationship between travel and overall economic health. Despite the optimism surrounding these figures, local unemployment has seen a slight rise to approximately 5% as of June, hinting at potential challenges for Shreveport’s economic landscape.

While the local jobless rate nudges upward, the national jobless rate might prompt the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts in September, offering some relief in the mortgage market. However, inflation persists, leading to rising prices and potential complications from tariffs that can strain consumers.

The positive growth trend continues with sales tax collections in Shreveport recording a 5% increase year-over-year, primarily attributed to the expanding casino market, further solidifying the region’s economic foundation. Despite higher interest rates affecting homebuyer enthusiasm, the housing market has maintained relative consistency in pricing. White recommends that prospective buyers act when they find suitable properties and consider refinancing down the line when rates decline further.

Overall, White expresses cautious optimism regarding the stability of the local economy, indicating no immediate signs of a downturn. In response to these economic factors, local initiatives are focused on supporting business growth by cutting red tape and revitalizing urban neighborhoods to attract new investments. Director of economic development, Bill Sabo, emphasizes the importance of improving the business climate for transitioning companies and addressing issues of neighborhood blight to foster a more favorable economic environment.

Conclusion

With the local economy competing resiliently amidst broader national concerns, Shreveport showcases promising strengths in critical sectors. The analytics suggest that Shreveport’s approach resembles the fable of the tortoise and the hare—slow and steady may just win the race.

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Additional Resources

• Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
• Wikipedia: Economy of Shreveport, Louisiana
• Bossier Press
• Google Search: Shreveport economy
• KTAL News
• Google Scholar: Shreveport economic report
• KSLA News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
• Shreveport Times
• Google News: Shreveport economic condition

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.